The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs 131
Benjamin 1
Benjamin set forth his parting words to his sons after he had lived a full hundred and twenty years.
1he record of the words of Benjamin, which he set forth to his sons, after he had lived a hundred and twenty years.
2 And he kissed them, and said: As Isaac was born to Abraham in his hundredth year, so also was I to Jacob.
3 Now since Rachel died in giving me birth, I had no milk; therefore I was suckled by Bilhah her handmaid.
4 For Rachel remained barren for twelve years after that she had borne Joseph: and she prayed the Lord with fasting twelve days, and she conceived and bare me.
5 For our father loved Rachel dearly, and prayed that he might see two sons born from her: therefore was I called the son of days, which is Benjamin.
Did You Know?
Benjamin set forth his parting words to his sons after he had lived a full hundred and twenty years.
Benjamin likened his own birth to Isaac, who was born to Abraham in Abraham’s hundredth year.
Because Rachel died giving him birth, Benjamin had no milk and was suckled by Bilhah her handmaid.
Rachel stayed barren twelve years after Joseph, then fasted and prayed twelve days before conceiving Benjamin.
Jacob loved Rachel dearly and prayed to see two sons from her, so Benjamin was called the son of days.
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